GERMAN SWEPT HILTED RAPIER, LATE 16TH-EARLY 17TH CENTURY

This is a classic military rapier made for a horseman. The hilt form accords with type 53 described by Norman, in The Rapier and Smallsword 1460-1820, p.124 where the author dates their use C.1550-1630’s. The iron hilt comprises a straight cross guard, directly descended from the cruciform broadsword, with cage form lower guard and scrolling bars both sides the inverted turnip shaped pommel is identified with the earlier part of the date span. Good wire wrapped grip. The 36 ¾” blade has fullers at the forte bearing the name TOMAS DE AYALA, likely spurious, of the noted Toledo sword maker of the period. The blade and quillon block are more oxidized than the balance of the hilt indicating its storage in a leather scabbard (no longer with) which captured moisture. A fundamental example of a type which changed the way swords were used in the second half of the 16th century.